FA reports 'incidents of racism' to UEFA

16 October 2012 08:48

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The Football Association has reported "a number of incidents of racism" to UEFA after ugly scenes marred the England Under-21s' 1-0 win in Serbia on Tuesday night.

Danny Rose was sent off after the final whistle after apparently responding to monkey taunts from the crowd at the end of the Euro 2013 play-off in Krusevac. Scuffles also broke out when supporters invaded the field after Connor Wickham struck in injury time to complete a 2-0 aggregate win and book England's place at next summer's tournament.

A statement from the FA read: "The FA condemns both the scenes of racism and the confrontation at the final whistle during which time our players and staff were under extreme provocation. The FA has reported a number of incidents of racism to UEFA following the fixture. These were seemingly aimed at a number of England black players by the crowd. The matter is now with UEFA."

Head coach Stuart Pearce told ESPN: "I think there were one or two racist incidents that came on from the crowd and they have been reported to UEFA, I believe, by ourselves. It is in their hands now, they will have to deal with that.

"I am very proud of my players and my staff and very proud of the achievement in getting to a fourth tournament in a row.

"It is very sad, but we are united as a team and a staff.

"A lot is happening in our country with regard to stamping out racism and I am very proud of the reaction of our players towards the end.

"It is a real shame because over two ties it was a really close game - two good teams going hammer and tongs at each other.

"It is just a shame it was soured in the last few minutes of the second leg of the tie."

He added: "Savo Milosevic, their technical director, has come to our dressing room and apologised for any behaviour that was unsavoury. I never want to see any football matches end like that, this is a sporting arena."